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  • How John Ahmann Is Reshaping Atlanta’s West Side Communities (Part Two)

    How John Ahmann Is Reshaping Atlanta’s West Side Communities (Part Two)
    Feb 19 2026
    In Part Two of their conversation, T. Dallas Smith and John Ahmann dive into the leaders, lessons, and life experiences that shaped John’s work across Atlanta.

    John shares how his time with the Atlanta Olympic Committee taught him the power of bold vision, firm deadlines, and civic leadership. He reflects on learning from figures like Ambassador Andrew Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, and business leaders who showed how real change happens when communities, government, and companies move together.


    The discussion turns personal as John discovers his uncle’s role as an organizer of the March on Washington and sees his legacy preserved in civil rights history at Booker T. Washington High School.


    John also explains the mission behind the West Side Future Fund and what it means to build a “beloved community,” rooted in Dr. King’s vision of dignity, opportunity, and shared responsibility. He paints a picture of thriving neighborhoods built on strong infrastructure and strong values.


    This episode offers a clear look at leadership, legacy, and how communities grow when people lead with purpose.
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    16 Min.
  • How John Ahmann Is Reshaping Atlanta’s West Side Communities (Part One)

    How John Ahmann Is Reshaping Atlanta’s West Side Communities (Part One)
    Feb 12 2026
    For years, the west side of Atlanta faced disinvestment, vacant homes, and families being priced out of the neighborhoods they built.

    In Part One of this conversation, T. Dallas Smith sits down with John Ahmann, president and CEO of the West Side Future Fund, to break down how one of Atlanta’s most intentional revitalization efforts began and why land ownership sits at the center of long-term equity.


    John shares the early days of the West Side Future Fund, from the announcement of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the community-driven planning process that shaped the future of English Avenue and Vine City. He explains why listening came before development, how blight and depopulation stalled progress, and what it took to create a model focused on retention instead of displacement.


    You’ll also hear how the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund was built to protect longtime residents as property values rise, why controlling land changes the affordability equation, and how nearly $200 million in public, private, and philanthropic investment is reshaping Atlanta’s west side.
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    20 Min.
  • Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part Two)

    Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part Two)
    Sep 16 2025
    In the second half of this powerful conversation, Richard Slaton is back In the Black to dive deeper into the lessons, values, and mindset that have shaped his impact in real estate, education, and community development.

    Richard shares the rigorous path to becoming a CCIM Senior Instructor and why it was one of the most rewarding challenges of his career. He opens up about what he instills in his students, the art of simplifying complex financial concepts, and the role mentorship continues to play in his life. From creative financing strategies to insights on site control and building trust with stakeholders, Richard offers practical advice for aspiring developers—especially those starting with little to no capital.

    He also reflects on what success means at this stage in his life, why early mornings matter, and how golf has become both a business tool and a form of meditation. It’s a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and the value of staying humble, sharp, and generous with your knowledge.
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    14 Min.
  • Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part One)

    Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part One)
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of In the Black, Dallas welcomes longtime friend and powerhouse in real estate and finance, Richard Slaton. As Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Bank, Richard brings decades of experience in community development, affordable housing, and mentoring future leaders. He opens up about his journey from a curious 12-year-old in Atlanta to becoming a respected educator and financial leader.

    Richard shares the story of his early exposure to real estate, the pivotal influence of mentors like Ramsey Davis, Dr. John Williams, and Egbert Perry, and how his time at Morehouse shaped his path. He reflects on working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, what he learned from managing assets for high-net-worth clients, and how legacy, not short-term gains, has always guided his decisions.


    From driving through Atlanta and seeing his work come to life, to teaching the next generation at Morehouse, Richard’s story is about impact, purpose, and the power of staying curious. This is part one of a conversation packed with insights, gratitude, and wisdom from a life well-lived in service of community and excellence.
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    16 Min.
  • From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part Two)

    From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part Two)
    Aug 22 2024
    In this continuation of his conversation with Egbert Perry, Dallas delves deeper into Perry's remarkable career and insights on urban development. Perry shares the story of co-founding Integral, a company dedicated to revitalizing urban America, and discusses their groundbreaking work transforming public housing projects into mixed-income communities. Listeners will hear about Perry's influential tenure as chairman of Fannie Mae during a critical period in U.S. housing policy. Perry offers candid reflections on the challenges of urban development, including confronting deep-rooted societal issues and unexpected resistance to positive change. The episode concludes with Perry introducing his concept of "market permission" - a powerful framework for understanding and overcoming systemic barriers in corporate America. He emphasizes the responsibility successful individuals have to create opportunities for others. This wide-ranging discussion offers invaluable perspectives on community development, housing policy, and navigating career advancement as a person of color in the business world. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation with one of the most influential figures in urban revitalization.
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    37 Min.
  • From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part One)

    From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part One)
    Aug 15 2024
    In this episode of In the Black, T. Dallas Smith sits down with Egbert Perry, Chairman & CEO of Integral, a national urban development company. Perry shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Antigua to becoming a leader in urban development and community economic revitalization in the United States. Listeners will hear about Perry's humble beginnings, his scholarship to an elite New York boarding school, and his education at the University of Pennsylvania. Perry recounts how a chance connection led him to work for Herman J. Russell in Atlanta, a pivotal moment in his career. The conversation delves into valuable lessons Perry learned from Russell, including a powerful story about creativity and problem-solving when faced with limited resources. Perry's experience demonstrates the "power of being broke" and how it drove him to develop innovative solutions that shaped his future success. This episode offers insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, urban development, and overcoming obstacles through determination and ingenuity. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of the most influential figures in community development and real estate.
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    32 Min.
  • Transforming Corporate Real Estate: Michael Ford's Visionary Approach (Part Two)

    Transforming Corporate Real Estate: Michael Ford's Visionary Approach (Part Two)
    Apr 24 2024
    In the second half of this compelling episode, the conversation takes a more personal turn as Michael Ford opens up about his upbringing in Alabama and the experiences that have shaped his life journey. He'll share insightful stories about what it was like growing up in the South, providing a window into the values and lessons that laid the foundation for his future success. Ford will also reveal the entertaining tale of how his wife managed to convince him to relocate to the unlikely destination of Fargo, North Dakota. Listeners will get to know the man behind the executive title as he recounts this pivotal decision that took his career and family on an unexpected adventure to the frozen northern plains. With his trademark blend of strategic thinking and down-to-earth candor, Michael Ford promises to not only impart invaluable wisdom for professional growth but also remind us of the importance of embracing life's detours and drawing strength from our roots. Don't miss this engaging glimpse into the personal side of one of corporate America's most transformative leaders.
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    13 Min.
  • Transforming Corporate Real Estate: Michael Ford's Visionary Approach (Part One)

    Transforming Corporate Real Estate: Michael Ford's Visionary Approach (Part One)
    Apr 17 2024
    On this episode of In the Black, Dallas is joined by Michael Ford, a groundbreaking change agent renowned for seamlessly blending strategy, analysis, and innovative solutions to drive operational excellence. As the Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate and Security at AT&T, Ford oversees a vast portfolio of nearly 200 million square feet while safeguarding the company's valuable assets - his strategic foresight and operational insight position him as a true catalyst for transforming companies and boldly shaping the future of work. Before joining AT&T, Ford served an impressive 18-year tenure at Microsoft, culminating in his position as Corporate Vice President of Global Workplace Services, where he led a team dedicated to delivering interconnected, sustainable, and secure workplaces across 113 countries, enhancing employee experience throughout the real estate lifecycle for over 200,000 global employees. With his wealth of experience and visionary approach, Michael Ford promises to offer invaluable insights into optimizing corporate real estate strategies, fostering operational excellence, and future-proofing organizations.
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    17 Min.